Letters to the Editor for Nov. 25

Tuesday

Nov 25, 2008 at 1:53 AM

Readers sound of about UF tuition, young voters, Barack Obama and more.

Tuition hikes are tough, but they are necessaryFor years, University of Florida students have had the privilege of receiving a world-class education for one of the lowest tuitions in the nation. In fact, of 75 flagship universities around the country, UF consistently ranks 75th in tuition.While it's undeniable that UF offers an education that is as valuable as it is affordable, tuition increases are necessary and inevitable. Our goal of being ranked as one of the top public universities in the world is simply not possible with tuition at bargain basement levels.Budget cuts in the last few years have damaged many of UF's programs, and projections from Tallahassee offer a bleak outlook for the foreseeable future. UF administrators have been forced to make difficult choices; cutting enrollment, eliminating academic programs and allowing faculty to flee for greener pastures at other institutions.It may be a tough pill to swallow, but if we want to be viewed as the undeniable foundation of higher education in Florida, then students and families must embrace tuition increases.On Thursday, Gov. Charlie Crist announced a plan that would allow Florida's public universities to independently choose to raise their tuition and meet the national average. In order to keep the doors of opportunity open for all Floridians, the plan calls for 30 percent of new revenues to be used for additional need-based aid. I am supporting the governor's plan, and I implore my fellow Gators to join me. Crist's proposal was developed in cooperation with business leaders from around the state who recognize that Florida's economic future depends upon the ability of our education system to produce competitive graduates for the 21st century. To do so, UF needs the revenue to recruit and retain talented faculty, invest in new technology and fund groundbreaking research.While students will be asked to shoulder some of this burden, the university will always work to provide opportunities for students from every walk of life. We must recognize this as an investment in both our own future and the future of our beloved university. Kevin F. Reilly, Jr.Student Body PresidentMember, Board of Trustees,University of Florida

‘Young voters' didn't make this mess we're inI have to respond to Janet Prigden's slam of young voters in her Nov. 20 letter.Prigden — who states that the young voters who swung Florida and the nation to elect Barack Obama have the "same collective brain power as Brittany Spears and Paris Hilton" — must not have met many of these young voters. She has an incredibly shallow view of their collective strength.This election was swung by an unprecedented number of young, passionate, intelligent and hopeful voters who are inheriting a huge mess from the older, wiser constituency. This older group is led by an inept president with abysmal approval ratings, congressmen and senators with even worse approval ratings, and business leaders who get paid outrageous amounts of money as they recklessly drive their companies into the ground and line up for a government bailout.And what about these young voters? Their peers are the ones in Iraq and Afghanistan, fighting wars and risking their lives for this country, while older voters whine about gas prices, the stock market and their mortgage problems. These young voters are the ones who will inherit a national deficit so large that the numbers are beyond comprehension. They are the ones who may not be able to buy a home or afford health insurance and who may well face the worst job market in 80 years.These young voters are the ones who brought their collective energy to the voting booth and made a positive, fearless and hopeful statement when they elected Barack Obama. They are the ones who will bring about positive change.After all, it is their "collective brain power" that will one day be leading this country.Josh Hellstrom,Gainesville

The many ‘changes' of Barack ObamaNow that the dust has cleared after the election, many voters are anxious to see what President-elect Obama has planned concerning the war in Iraq and the economy. When Obama ran for office he used the phrase "vote for change." So far, Obama has not given the voters any idea what he intends to do to get us out of this poor economy. What happened to the second stimulus check he said the American people should get?Now Obama intends to bail out the automobile industry. What happened to his anti-big business position and let's help the working class position?What about the fact he is not anti-gun? He recently made a former anti-gun Janet Reno crony his attorney general. This individual has stated that he does not believe individual's have a right to own firearms. Granted, Obama has not taken office at this point, and how he governs remains to be seen. Since President Bush has been in office, we have not been attacked again. The gas prices are coming down, and people have a little more money in their pockets.As far as I am concerned, Obama could go down as one of the worst presidents if he allows the left wing arm of the Democratic Party to control him. Let's all pray that the American people do not suffer for his mistakes.Robert Monica,Bell

America isn't about who is elected to officeFor over 30 years of elections, I have, numerous times, heard people state that they were going to leave the country if their candidate didn't get elected. Some have been so-called celebrities. Others were people I personally knew. I don't think these people understand that politicians are not the country. America is much more than any politician. I think people who threaten to leave in these circumstances (even if their candidate happens to win) should just leave because they obviously don't love this country. Leaving is the easy thing to do.Barack Obama was not my first choice for president, but he will be my president, and I hope he leads America successfully. Meanwhile, I invite all Americans to try and make a difference each and every day.Even if the politicians aren't doing what you wish, do what you personally can within your sphere of influence — volunteer, help out a neighbor, be a good listener for someone who needs one, maybe just smile at and be extra patient with someone who is obviously having a bad day.We as individuals have the power to accomplish much more than any politician. Use that power today and every day!Jonathan Lubar,Alachua